GODGEAR - JOURNEY TO SAVE EDEN

Jareth stood over Fujin's unconscious body, his sword still warm from the faint golden glow of Bahamut's magic. The dragon god's deep, resonant voice echoed in his mind.

"We can't leave her exposed here. That shadow may be gone for now, but it will return if we're careless."

Jareth clenched his jaw. "What do you suggest, Bahamut? I can't exactly carry her around while climbing a tower filled with who-knows-what."

"Bury her," Bahamut commanded. "But first, I'll cast a barrier to ensure no eyes are upon us. Even gods have their secrets."

A shimmering sphere of golden energy enveloped them, flickering with ancient runes that seemed alive with power. The air inside the barrier felt warm and heavy, as though infused with Bahamut's will. Jareth watched as the dragon god's magic radiated over Fujin, sealing her wounds further and stabilizing her fragile condition.

"She's tougher than she looks," Jareth muttered. "But what's your endgame here? Why bury her? She's not dead."

"Because the shadow thinks she is. Let it remain that way," Bahamut replied. "This will buy her time and keep you from unnecessary complications. Now dig, boy."

Jareth grumbled under his breath but followed the command. With his immense strength, he carved a shallow grave into the earth near the base of the tower in minutes. He laid Fujin inside gently, her face pale and peaceful, then covered her with loose soil.

"This magic will preserve her body and hide her presence completely," Bahamut assured him. "Focus on your next task. The tower awaits."

Jareth stood, dusting his hands off. His mind churned with unanswered questions as he turned his gaze to the looming structure before him.

Why didn't the Goddess warn me about the other GODGEAR wearers falling?How is Fujin still alive if they were supposed to be defeated?What did she mean by 'save us'? Save who? From what?And my own strength... Is this really my power, or am I just a pawn?

The questions buzzed in his head, each one a weight pressing against his resolve. He looked at his hands, flexing his fingers. The sheer power he had unleashed in the battle against Fujin still felt foreign, as though it belonged to someone else.

Bahamut's voice cut through his thoughts. "Don't get lost in your doubts, boy. You've seen a glimpse of what you're capable of, but this journey has only begun. The answers will come in time, but for now, focus on the task at hand."

Jareth approached the tower's massive iron doors, their surface etched with jagged symbols that seemed to pulse faintly with energy. He gripped the handle, his muscles tensing.

He paused, glancing up at the structure. "I could just fly to the top and smash my way in," he muttered.

"You could try," Bahamut said with a hint of amusement. "But you won't get far."

Jareth frowned, stepping back and summoning a fiery orb of energy. He hurled it toward the tower's upper levels, intending to blast through the wall. The orb soared upward but suddenly vanished into a strange, shimmering void. It was as though the energy had been swallowed whole, leaving no trace behind.

Jareth's eyes narrowed. "What the hell was that?"

"The tower's defenses," Bahamut explained. "A power you won't break through by brute force. Your only path lies through the front door."

With a frustrated sigh, Jareth pushed open the heavy doors, which groaned loudly on their hinges. The air inside the tower was stale and cold, carrying a faint metallic tang. Darkness stretched before him, broken only by the dim glow of torches lining the walls.

As he stepped inside, he heard a soft whisper in his mind—gentle, yet filled with undeniable authority.

"Do not doubt me, my son."

Jareth froze, recognizing the voice immediately. "Goddess?" he murmured aloud.

"I know the questions that plague your heart," the Goddess said, her tone soothing. "But trust in me. You are my chosen, my child. Everything I do is for your victory. Do not let doubt cloud your path."

Jareth's throat tightened. "You could've told me about the others. About what I'd face."

"And would that knowledge have prepared you, or paralyzed you with fear?" she countered. "Some truths must be earned, not given. Remember, Jareth—I am with you, always."

Her voice faded, leaving Jareth standing alone in the dim corridor. He let out a slow breath, steadying himself.

"First the shadow, now this tower," he muttered. "Let's see what other surprises are waiting for me."

The path ahead was clear—beat the boss on the last floor, and perhaps he'd start to unravel the mysteries surrounding Fujin, the GODGEAR wearers, and his own purpose.

With his sword in hand, Jareth took his first step into the tower, the doors slamming shut behind him with a resounding echo.